CRISPR technologies for precise epigenome editing

Qi and colleagues review CRISPR-based epigenome engineering technologies to modulate histone and DNA modifications and to perturb DNA and RNA regulatory elements and chromatin organization. The epigenome involves a complex set of cellular processes governing genomic activity. Dissecting this complexity necessitates the development of tools capable of specifically manipulating these processes. The repurposing of prokaryotic CRISPR systems has allowed for the development of diverse technologies for epigenome engineering. Here, we review the state of currently achievable epigenetic manipulations along with corresponding applications. With future optimization, CRISPR-based epigenomic editing stands as a set of powerful tools for understanding and controlling biological function.